1999 Pontiac Sunfire Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 6%of 93 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 109,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 6% of the 93 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 109,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I was purchasing this used car from a dealer. They replaced the ignition assembly 3 times. The car would mysteriously shut off, the ignition assembly would not allow the key to be removed and multiple times this happened. I lost allot of money I put on the car as it became obvious they could not fix it and I had to let them take it back with no refund to me.........they said at the dealer that I was lucky that I didn't have a fire.”
NHTSA complaint #10631179, filed 2014-09, 160,000 miles“For about three months a loud noise was heard coming from under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, who stated there was not a remedy for this problem. The noise had come from the steering area.”
NHTSA complaint #10026491, filed 2003-07, 59,000 miles“My headlights do not stay on. They turn off when I use my turn signal, or if I hit a bump. The hi-beams and drl's are fine, it's just the regular headlights. Also my engine shows that it is overheating on my temp. Guage, but does not act like it. When the A/C is turned on, it returns to a normal level. Another thing is my airconditioning line has a hole in it from another hose rubbing up against it. I think it's either my steering hose or radiator hose. When I turn left my car makes an awful grinding noise.”
NHTSA complaint #10185467, filed 2007-03“Consumer is having a problem with steering control. When making left or right turns, steering wheel will exhibit resistance in the intended direction, but then turn easily in the opposite direction. This causes consumer to over correct steering affecting vehicle control. Ts”
NHTSA complaint #8022804, filed 2002-11“This failure causes cars to surge to left or right for no reason. My step-daughter has the same problem with her 1998 chevy cavalier. It apears to be a pump or rack failure.”
NHTSA complaint #722212, filed 2000-05Related service bulletins
- 10022926Aug 1, 2007Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation (lubricate intermediate shaft [I-shaft]).
- 10019516Feb 1, 2006Clunk felt/noise heard from steering column, steering gear and/or front of vehicle during turning maneuver and/or steering wheel rotation.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 4 | 6% |
| 2004 | 1 | 3% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 2 | 3% |
| 2000 | 5 | 5% |
| 1999 | 6 | 6% |
| 1998 | 14 | 12% |
| 1997 | 42 | 22% |
| 1996 | 19 | 9% |
| 1995 | 3 | 3% |
Other parts of the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
21 complaintsEngine cooling
17 complaintsBrakes
13 complaintsAir bags
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsSeats
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsInterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 Pontiac Sunfire
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology